Leader of the Senate majority Democratic Senator Thomas Daschle criticized the decision, taken by George Bush, on withdrawal of the USA from the Russian-US ABM Treaty of 1972.
Speaking before journalists in Washington on Wednesday, Daschle stated that executive power in the USA must discuss this question with legislative power in advance and more thoroughly.
Having stated that Bush's decision torpedoes the fragile coalition of the USA and its allies, Daschle stressed that the White House's position would hamper also "our relations with Russia and China". He also expressed confidence that the US Senate would hold a debate on Bush's stand and on the consequences of his move for the world community and for the US foreign policy.